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PostPosted: Fri May 22, 2009 5:19 pm 
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Lever Control / Twist-n-Stow rudder adjustments - Tech note
(Some points will not pertain to up-down line controlled rudder systems)

Simple adjustments can help to make the Twist-n-Stow rudder operate as designed.

Rudder does not retract or deploy easily...

Problem: This may be an adjustment or function issue. The rudder control lines may have been over tensioned. The drum may not be properly adjusted. The system does require a few specific techniques for proper use.

Possible solutions:

1- Techniques for easier rudder system use.
2- Adjust the drum bolt to prevent wobble and binding.
3- Adjust the up/down control lines.
4- Adjust the steering control lines.
5- Lubricate the drum fittings and the line exit points in the hull.

1- Techniques for easier rudder system use.

Hard steering in either direction can cause excessive friction in control lines. More centered steering will make raising and lowering operation smoother.
Deploy rudder: Turn steering handle to left. While actuating the down rudder control handle, steer the rudder right. This helps to move the rudder weight/mass in the direction required to begin lifting it off the deck. Actuating the down control while the rudder swings through the center position will work the best.

Retract rudder: The rudder has a small catch / indention to help keep the rudder down while in use. By (quickly) wiggling the steering (near the center steering position) back and forth while actuating the up control, the rudder is more easily released from the catch and raised.

2- Adjust the drum bolt to prevent wobble and binding.

Drum bolts that are too tight or too loose can cause binding in the Twist-n-Stow system. Most common issue is where the bolts are too tight. A simple adjustment here can fix most systems. Loosen enough to allow the drum to rotate smoothly. Too loose and the drum may tilt and bind on itself. Lubrication (dry silicone) on contact points can also be quite helpful.

3- Adjust the up/down control lines.

The up control line should be slack when the rudder is in the down position. Check the line by placing two fingers under the line (near the deck exit point). Turn the fingers sideways. The line should easily pass over your fingers without tension.

4- Adjust the steering control lines.

Steering lines should be tight enough to keep the rudder in position, but when over-tightened they can cause friction in the system that would hinder the raising and lowering of the rudder. Adjust for minimum tension.

5- Lubricate the drum fittings and the line exit points in the hull.

The use of dry silicone on the drum contact points and control line pass-though points can reduce friction and make the rudder function smoother.

------------------

Detailed Twist-n-Stow rudder assembly instructions are located in our support area under "Kayak" Support here: http://www.hobiecat.com/support/index.html

Here's a link to a illustrated diagram: http://www.hobiecat.com/support/pdfs/Tw ... iagram.pdf

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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